When I first started to get active physically, I had to basically force myself. Ride the exercise bike. Walk around the pasture a few times. Etc. Since the scale at Weight Watchers wouldn’t budge (not in a downward direction, that is), no matter how much I moved, this really required some grit–every ounce of Lael I have in me. I’m a checklist kind of person, as some of you know from previous blogs; if I follow the darned instructions, dammit, I expect to see some results! In general, the whole experience has been about trust and acceptance, with little visible reward. (Except that I have lost and kept off 52 pounds for almost two years now–mustn’t forget that).

Although I’m stronger and firmer these days, I still don’t have the proverbial washboard abs, not that I actually expect that, at my age–66. The real change is more mental than physical; I now LOVE to ride my bike, walk when it’s not too hot and smoky out, park at a distance when I go to the store so I can get in those extra steps. I faithfully strap on an electronic belt every morning, and wear it for 30 minutes–and while I can forget the washboards, I’ve developed a much stronger core. (This is the lazy woman’s version of doing crunches. That, my friends, ain’t ever gonna happen.) And, as of yesterday, I have a little elliptical machine under my desk, so I can pedal when I stop to think, which is often. Besides any health benefits this may achieve, I find this helps enormously with my ADD.

An update on the audiobook I mentioned yesterday, “Wake Me Up”, by Lyn Ragan. It’s a heartrending story, and I’m 9 chapters in. I will definitely be finishing this one.

Tomorrow is Weight Watchers day. I’ll check in with you on Thursday, if not tomorrow.

Know that you are safe in the Heart of God, every moment of every day, no matter what your circumstances. Nothing you’ve ever thought, said or done can seperate you from His Love. If you don’t believe me, just ask Him.

36 comments to “Call Me Crazy”

Good for you keeping that weight off for two years. I think most people have to force themselves to start to exercise. It’s hard to continue doing the same thing day after day so it’s good that you do different things.

Well Linda, you’ve come a long way in just the time I’ve “known” you and I’m proud of you. Keep it up and you may get those washboard abs yet. Who knows? And God is good and he may reward you with them for your hard work.

Good luck tomorrow, and remember, muscle weighs more than fat and flab.

I most definitely can understand your grief. I would ask that you pray for my mother-in-law who is in the hospital with pneumonia. She is 89 years old and very precious to all of her family. She is our matriarch. My husband, her oldest son, is very close to her and having a very hard time with this. I can understand his pain as I went thru this very same situation 14 years ago. It is something I will never forget. My plans for the future is to download all of your books I don’t have and spend an entire weekend reading them. Just have to wait till I have some extra money as paying hospital bills myself. I have a plan and will get there soon. Hey, there is always Christmas and I usually get Amazon gift cards.

I started walking yesterday with a couple of friends of mien. It took a while to find someone to walk with me but I kept looking. It is way too hot for my husband right now as heat can make him physically sick. Hopefully once the weather cools off he will join our group. Stick with it as perseverance is the only way it will work.

Keep up the good work and the faith. You will always miss your little girl but she is now watching over you.

Thanks once again for an informative and inspirational message. I can hardly wait to see your post each time. So happy for you that you are doing so well at WW. It sounds as if your heart is being held gently in the Master’s Hands as you journey through the loss of your faithful friend.
Looking forward to your next post ,until then take care continue doing what you’re doing. It works

Congratulations on your weight loss Linda! I admire your dedication to your exercise plan and healthy diet! I’m trying to eliminate sugar slowly but surely. When I cheat I get nasty headaches so I have great motivation to leave the sweets at the grocery store. Keep up the good work!

I hate to ride the exercise bike but I do sometimes in the winter when I can’t get out and walk. I do try to walk a few days a week, if I mow the lawn I believe that is my walk for the day because I push mow for about and hour or so. Today was spent in town at Walmart and Kroger and that was my walk for the day, does that count? Husband is on night shift for a couple of weeks and has got my routine all turned around.

I know you are proud of your weight loss. Five years ago I went to the doctor and weighed 254 pounds. All of my numbers were way off the page..So I started giving up one thing a week…started with potato chips…each week I gave up a “habit”. Hardest were my Cokes and peanuts…today I weigh 142 and I feel so much better…so keep up the good work…it is worth it….
Again, thank you for years of great reading…

I had lap band surgery several years ago due to health issues and loosing the weight was the best fix. Diet and expertise didn’t work as I was not disaplend enough, but I have lost 5 dress sizes (50 lbs) and kept it off. However, I struggle every day with wanting something I know I can’t have, bread/bagels being the hardest. But I refuse to take a pill daily if I can control it. And at 51 yrs old I have to really pay attention. It never gets easier, we just get better at seeing the signs

You are so right!!! Our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally!!! I have recently became a vegan, my daughter has been one for years. I got stuck on the scales, it just wouldn’t move down, so I took a cheat day. That jump started something and the scales went down. I am not suggesting you do this, just telling my story. I love your books!!! Thank you for hours of great reading. Praying for you!!!

Hi Linda, per my Sister and Niece who have both lost half there self’s. You need to change it up alittle. If you walk in morning also walk in afternoon or do everything back wards. Your body has a way of remembering when ,where,what you do. Just thought something different in to make it think. Just a thought.
Have a great week.

Linda, a 52 lb. weight loss is huge! Congratulations and I know that you will keep going down. I just turned 70 this year and it has taken me 13 months to loss 60 lbs. Even with the exercising at Curves (love that place) and walking regularly I may never be toned again. At my age, the skin just doesn’t want to get back in shape. But, I’m not giving up. :0)

I know what you mean about physical activity being addictive. Isn’t it the most invigorating feeling? Gives you more energy, physically and mentally, for the whole day. Helps with deep sleep at night too. Good luck!

Good luck on getting past your plateau! You have done very well so far, so don’t give up now! Maybe you need a change in your menu? I know I need to do that from time to time just to shock the system! Hopefully at your WW meeting they gave you some suggestions on getting past this plateau!

I’ve been going to the gym and walking on the treadmill for a few weeks now. When I started there were a few REALLY HARD days. Like one Monday morning when I had to hold onto the handles and walk with my eyes shut for most of the 400 calories.